The Second Game

The Second Game, released in 2014, is a novel endeavor crafted by Romanian director Corneliu Porumboiu. This unorthodox project is not your typical plot-driven film, but a blend of documentary, sports culture, political commentary, and personal reminiscence. The film stars Corneliu Porumboiu himself and his father, Adrian Porumboiu, a retired football referee. Distinguished from classic movies, The Second Game provides a completely distinct viewing experience combining elements of history, sports, and personal narratives. With a duration of approximately 97 min, this avant-garde experiment immerses viewers in the cultural and political panorama of late 1980s Romania.

The Second Game is a significant departure from traditional movie storytelling. Instead of using scripts, actors, or a narrative arc, it documents a single event - a football match played on the 3rd of December 1989 between the teams Dinamo București and Steaua București. This match took place a few weeks before the revolution that ended Nicolae Ceaușescu's dictatorial regime in Romania.

The gameplay is broadcast in real-time, captured in all its snowy splendor on an old videotape that Porumboiu has preserved. The Father-Son pair watch the match together and their real-time commentary unfolds in lieu of conventional narrative dialogue. Positioned in the unusual role of both director and star, Corneliu Porumboiu's interactions with his father provide a backdrop of intimate, personal dialogue that paints a picture of their relationship.

Also unique about the film is that it's seemingly an amateur sports broadcast, subjected to lesser video quality, that yet carries a compelling atmosphere. The game, played amidst heavy snowfall, at times appears more like a battle of figures in a snow globe than a soccer match. The conditions of the game are harsh, and the soul of the players battling it out takes center-stage, adding nuances to the description of the event provided by Adrian, who was the actual referee of the game.

The chronicle provided by Adrian Porumboiu does more than provide a play-by-play of the game. As the then referee, Adrian has a unique insight into what transpired on the field. His play by play account transcends the boundaries of sport, divulging into the political and national significance of the game. The match is seen not merely as a sporting event but as a metaphor for Romania during those times, especially considering the rumors of the result of the game being pre-decided, reflecting the country ruled by an autocratic regime.

At the time of the actual game, Dinamo București represented the nation's Ministry of Interior, while Steaua București was the embodiment of the Romanian Army. Therefore, the soccer game was much more than a soccer game; it was a power struggle, bringing into focus the dynamics of authoritarian control. This political underpinning colours the commentary by Adrian, enhancing the iconicity of the match.

This movie, however, is not purely about the sport or the political undertones. The dialogues between father and son delve into their personal narrative as well. The game serves as a starting point for them to reminisce about their lives before and after the revolution, their own perspectives, and experiences. In this film, we get to see the bond between the two unfold delicately and organically, making for some of the most heartfelt moments.

The Second Game, in its avant-garde essence, is also a study of memory, history, and perspective. It underlines how significant the lens is through which we view an event. The football match symbolically serves as a mirror of Romanian society during that time. Corneilu Porumboiu uses this unconventional format of storytelling to provide both a historical documentary and a glimpse into his and his father's relationship.

In conclusion, The Second Game stands apart in traditional cinema. Corneliu Porumboiu pushes the boundaries of what we understand as a 'movie', creating an experience that is part standoffish documentary, part performance experiment, and part personal narrative. For audiences interested in a distinctive cinema experience that competently interweaves sports culture, history, and interpersonal relationships, The Second Game offers a remarkably unforgettable cinematic art form. However, be prepared for its leisurely pace and lack of the standard narrative structure. It's unlike any sports movie you've ever seen because, in the end, it's not just a sports movie at all.